Device to allow the washing of footwear inside washing machines

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a device to allow the washing in washing machines of footwear in general, particularly sport footwear. According to the essential aspects of the present invention, the device comprises means ( 1; 201; 301; 401 ) designed to allow to hang at least one shoe on the drum of the washing machine so that the shoe can be washed maintaining substantially the position corresponding to where it hangs.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention relates to the technical sector of accessories forcleaning and maintaining footwear. In particular, the present inventionrelates to a device able to allow the washing of footwear inside commonwashing machines.

STATE OF THE ART

It is well known that given types of footwear can be washed. Among thesecategories there are, for example, sneakers, or sport footwear, oftenmade of rubber or rubber/fabric. Also other types of footwear are ableto be washed, for example shoes completely made of fabric or shoescompletely made of rubber. Among them can be usually cited flip-flops,pool footwear and the like.

Generally, for washing footwear the washing machine is usually usedthat, even if specific for washing garments, can also adapt to washingfootwear. However, many drawbacks and technical problems can occur, asthe washing machine is not specifically designed for washing footwear.Among them, poorly efficient washing and anomalous and undesired wearand tear of the footwear.

Firstly, even if presumably washing temperatures are chosen suitable forthe material of which the shoe is made, however the final result isoften an uncomfortable permanent deformation of the shoe, together withwear or even a complete crumpling. This crumpling is due to the factthat the shoes are free to move in a completely random manner inside thedrum. Hence, during normal washing the shoes bump into each other andagainst the drum walls, while during the subsequent drying spin cyclethey remain pressed against the wall. It is clear that, impacts,together with washing temperature, cause permanent deformations and astrong wear of the footwear. On the other hand, during the spin cyclethe footwear is subject to strong pressures that increase the abovementioned deformation effect. Independently of the type of footwear,these deformations often cause the loss of the footwear ergonomiccharacteristics, making the shoe unusable since it causes pain anduncomfortable diseases for the user.

Mainly in the case of sport footwear (typically the running shoes) it iswell known that their shape is fundamental to guarantee goodperformances. People wearing medium- and long-distance running shoesexpect to run hundreds of kilometers per week during the trainingsessions or during races. Clearly, a deformed shoe can cause painfulblisters or even more severe diseases such as tendinitis, thereforemaking it unusable for the purpose. The only solution to the problem istherefore that of buying a new pair of shoes after washing in washingmachine. Alternatively, the shoes must be hand washed.

A further drawback is directly linked to the drying spin cycle. Duringthis phase, the shoes remain pressed against the wall in randompositions that do not guarantee a uniform drying thereof. In fact, it isevident that the shoes, even partially overlapping each other, cannotdry in a uniform manner, as the water cannot flow out properly throughtheir different components (for example inner sole, upper, outsole,closing devices such as Velcro fasteners). It is well known, in fact,that the soles of the shoes are generally impermeable to insulate feetagainst water penetration, for example rain, during use. Hence, when theshoe adheres to the wall with the side of the sole destined to thecontact with the ground, the sole, because of the material whereof it ismade and its high thickness, prevents water from flowing toward theoutside via centrifugal force. In this case the shoe cannot thereforedry in a uniform manner, and remains wet in various parts even after astrong and long spin cycle.

It is therefore clearly apparent that the above mentioned drawbacks makethe washing of footwear in washing machine inconvenient, and, above all,that the result is really unforeseeable.

Known devices that tried to solve the above mentioned drawbacks aredescribed for example in the patents or patent applications U.S. Pat.No. 6,067,729 A; US 2003/084585 A1 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,365,675 A.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,067,729 A describes a device that holds two shoes inopposite positions against the drum of a washing machine by means of aflexible rod inserted in the shoes until it reaches the inner area oftoes. The rod, with a diameter greater than the drum, pushes from theinside the outer toes of the shoes against the cylindrical wall of thedrum. But, obviously, the rod allows the shoes to rotate around theirtoe during the rotation of the drum. It is therefore evident that withthis device the following can occur: the case, wherein the part of theupper near the heel is pressed on the device, or the case, whereinduring the drum rotation the shoe, full of water, tends to rotate aroundthe toe pulling the part of the upper locally in the position of theinstep, and this occurs particularly during the spin cycle, wherein theshoe can rotate until the sole goes into contact with the cylindricalwalls of the drum. During washing phases these rotations of the shoescan furthermore move the contact point of the toes of the shoes on thedrum, thus arranging the whole shoes-flexible rod device diagonally,i.e. geometrically on a non-vertical plane; in this way, the flexiblerod looses its curvature and lastly, as the pressure on the toesdecreases, there is contact loss and hence loss of unity betweenflexible rod-footwear set and drum of the washing machine.

In US 2003/0084585 A1 the device is provided with an extensible tubewith T-shaped ends suitable to be fit in two shoes pushed with the solesin opposite positions into contact with the cylindrical lateral walls ofthe drum. The T-shaped ends do not hinder movement of the wet uppertoward the sole; during the washing cycle continuous stresses andbending of the fabric/upper therefore occur, dangerous for both seamsand heat welds or glued seams of the upper, for which the shoe is notdesigned. In addition, during rotation in vertical position the weightof the whole device and of the upper shoe rests inside the lower shoeand, moreover, the action produced by the T-shaped part of the devicedischarges only locally inside the shoe, in limited portions of theinsole, thus causing, due to high point pressures, permanentdeformations of this latter which can make the footwear uncomfortable.

In U.S. Pat. No. 5,365,675 A the shoes rest on pins projecting from anextendable rod inserted diametrically in the drum, and are bound herethrough laces surrounding them outside. As the shoe is constrained onlylocally below the sole and mainly on the outer surface of the upper, andas it is fixed much more accurately only in the heel area and lesseffectively in the front part of the sole and of the upper, the shoeitself, during washes and rinses, i.e. during rotation of the drum, isswamped inside and is subject to continuous flexions in the sole thatcan cause detachment of the non-fixed inner soles; moreover, the upperin the front part of the instep is subject to continuous abrasionsbecause of the laces and the pins, or anyway to cyclical stresses forwhich the shoe is not designed.

In all the three cases the shoe takes such a position that the sole,which is impermeable, and the perimeter part of upper near the sole,which is often impermeable too, prevent the water, during rotation ofthe drum, especially during the spin phases necessary for an effectivewashing, from flowing out from the shoe, thus causing stagnation ofpossibly dirty water, and the dirt can remain inside the shoe untilwashing is finished, thus resulting in a poorly satisfactory orpejorative washing. In fact, in these examples the sole mostly facestoward the cylindrical lateral walls of the drum, the drum with theinner concavity of the shoe (i.e. the foot housing shoe zone) facing theaxis of rotation of the drum itself. In US 2003/084585 A1 this positionis constant, while in U.S. Pat. No. 6,067,729 A and U.S. Pat. No.5,365,675 A it occurs particularly during the spin phases. Thecentrifugal force moves the water in radial direction and therefore thesole tends to prevent water outflow from the inside of the shoe. Becauseof the resulting water stagnation between upper and sole, the shoe needsa lot of time to dry, and seams, heat welds and glued edges weaken dueto the strong pressures that may be generated in the stagnation areas.

Furthermore, in all the three cases, the devices discharge locally intwo more or less limited and opposite areas of the cylindrical lateralwalls of the drum, and this may result in drum deformation, as thedevices are fixed through pressure on the cylindrical walls of the drum,that sometimes is not designed for these concentrated actions.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a device toallow the washing of footwear in a washing machine, which overcomes allthe above mentioned drawbacks.

In particular, the object of the present invention is to provide adevice to allow effective and uniform washing of footwear in washingmachine, and which allows, at the same time, to obtain a subsequentuniform and effective drying of the shoe.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a device toallow the washing of footwear in washing machine, which preserves themfrom deformations and wear caused by both the impacts against the drumand by anomalous pressures or tractions, caused by the spin cycle, thatcan damage the shoes that do not bear these stresses as they are notdesigned for it.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a device toallow the washing of footwear in washing machine that, at the same time,preserves the integrity of the drum, of the seal gaskets between thecase containing the drum and the door, and of the same door.

These and other objects are achieved through the present device forallowing the washing in washing machine of footwear in general,particularly sport footwear, characterized by comprising means (1; 201;301; 401) designed to allow to hang up at least one shoe in the drum ofthe washing machine in such a way that said shoe can be washedmaintaining substantially the position corresponding to where it hangs.

Hanging (i.e. being suspended) inside the drum always in the sameposition during drum rotation in the wash, rinse and spin phases, theshoe is therefore spaced from the inner surface of the drum (there is nocontact between footwear and drum) and consequently all the drawbacksare avoided linked with hits, abrasions, and damages of the shoe duringwashing.

In particular the above mentioned means (1; 201; 301) comprise a hangingunit (7) designed to be inserted inside the shoe to be washed (i.e. thehanging unit is designed to wear the shoe). This unit (7) is associatedto the drum so as to rotate rigidly with it. It should be noted that thepart of hanging unit inserted in the shoe is not into contact with thedrum and is spaced from it so as to allow the interposition of thethickness of the shoe between hanging unit and drum.

Blocking the shoe by means of an abutment (most of the unit 7) insidethe shoe itself, the contact between the most of the hanging unit 7 andthe inner surface of the shoe is uniformly distributed and not limitedto specific inner areas of the shoe, thus avoiding localizeddeformations of the shoe during washing, that can generate permanentdeformations of the shoe; moreover, in this way the contact points ofthe outer surface of the shoe with the hanging means are reduced orcanceled, with consequent reduction in the wear and tear of the shoe atthese points. Furthermore, blocking of the shoe is also more stable,whilst, as already mentioned, the shoe deformation, if any, is extremelyreduced.

The hanging unit (7) adequately comprises a part defining a surfacefacing toward the inner face of the sole or inner sole, coming intocontact preferably with it, when the unit is inserted inside the shoe.With the unit inserted inside the shoe (or the shoe fitted on the unit)the above mentioned surface of the hanging unit (7) faces the axis ofrotation of the drum, thus allowing during rotation, particularly in thespin phase, water outflow from the sole of the shoe toward the upper.Practically, the above mentioned surface of the unit facing the axis ofthe drum divides the drum into two parts, one first of which containsthe axis of rotation thereof, while the second of which is designed tocontain the part of shoe relating to the upper, i.e. outside the sole;this part is conveniently peripheral relative to the axis of rotation,so as to have geometrically such an axis of rotation as to generateduring the spin phase, an effective centrifugal force in the watercontained in the shoe, or with which the shoe is impregnated.

Obviously, the shoe fitted on the hanging unit (7) is oriented with thesole facing the axis of rotation of the drum and with the inner part ofthe upper facing toward the cylindrical lateral surface of the drum,i.e. the outside of the drum.

Clearly, in this configuration during the spin phase the water tends togo out from the shoe according to a radial direction practicallystarting from the sole or from the surface of the upper, lapping theouter and inner surface thereof, until it detaches itself from the shoe(which is practically the part nearest to the axis of rotation) andgoing toward the outside, and therefore it cannot be blocked by theshoe.

Advantageously, the hanging unit (7) comprises a shoetree or a foot orshoe shape 19, designed to be inserted inside the shoe. In this way theshoe is “filled” with an undeformable volume and is not subject todeformations.

Advantageously, a first group of embodiments comprises:

-   -   at least one supporting element (5; 205; 305) comprising fixing        means (3; 203; 303) to fix, in use, the supporting element on        the drum outline so that it is firmly put into rotation when the        drum (2) rotates;    -   means (7, 17) to hang up at least one shoe to the supporting        element (5; 205; 305) so that the shoe can be washed and spun        maintaining substantially the position corresponding to the        relative supporting element on which it hangs.

In accord with this solution, the fixing means (3; 203; 303) thereforeallow to engage said supporting element relative to the walls of thewashing machine drum, thus allowing the drum to put the supportingelement into rotation in a rigid and integral manner. This blocking isconveniently obtained at the lateral wall of the drum, i.e. the lateralwall of the cylinder forming the drum preferably and advantageously inthe positions of the calendered sheets.

The means (7, 17) therefore serve to hang up physically the shoe to thedrum through the use of said elements. In this way the shoe, through thesupporting means, is put into rotation by the rotating drum, but isforced to maintain the constraining position given by the means (7, 17),where it physically hangs. According to this solution, during washingthe shoe cannot therefore crash in a random manner against the walls ofthe drum or mutually against the other shoes.

This solution furthermore avoids shoe being pressed, during the spincycle, against the lateral wall of the drum, occupying positionsunsuitable for a uniform drying.

Advantageously, according to a possible embodiment of the presentinvention, the means (7, 17) comprise in combination at least one seat(17) obtained in correspondence of the supporting element (5; 205; 305)and said hanging unit (7) for the shoes destined to be coupled, in use,to said seat (17) in a releasable manner.

In this way it is therefore possible easily to couple and release theshoes from the supporting element through this unit (7), both when thesupporting element has been already installed inside the drum and beforethis installation.

The unit (7) advantageously comprises a snap pin (18) or the like,connected to a shoetree (19) designed to be inserted inside the shoe,and means (20, 21) to allow to secure said shoe to the shoetree.

According to this solution, the pin 18 is inserted, in use, in the seat17, thus hanging the outline to the support, having previously put theshoe on the outline. At this point the shoe is secured to the unitthrough the above mentioned means (20, 21), which can be constituted,for example, by Velcro or, similarly, button systems, snaps, belts andthe like, all well known.

Obviously, the shoe can be secured for washing also through the simpleclosing of its laces on the shoetree, rather than through said means(20, 21).

From a structural viewpoint, to allow the arrangement of the supportingelement inside the drum of the washing machine, adhering to the walls,the element, according to a possible construction solution, is firmlyconnected to a frame (3; 203).

Advantageously the frame (3; 203) comprises three rods (8; 208) firmlyconnected to three supporting elements (5; 205) through three cradles(4; 204).

According to a possible configuration of the invention, the three rods(208) are configured in the frame (203) according to a star arrangement.

In this way the three rods, in use, extend radially towards the lateralsurface of the drum, bringing the above mentioned three supportingelements, to which they are firmly connected through the cradles, togrip against the surface. In this way the device remains stably fixed tothe drum, and is dragged by it into rotation firmly.

Alternatively, the rods (8) are configured in the frame according to atriangular arrangement. In this case the vertexes of the triangle, inuse, bring the elements 5 into contact against the walls of the drum.

To allow an easy fixing of the device to the drum and an easy extractionand removal thereof, at least one of the above mentioned rods (8; 208)advantageously comprises a first (9; 209) and a second (10; 210) portionassembled in a reciprocally movable manner.

In this way, by closing reciprocally the two portions of at least onerod, it is possible to reduce the overall diameter of the device, thusallowing the detachment from the walls. On the contrary, the inverseoperation of extending the rods allows the device to be easily appliedadhering to the inner walls of the drum.

Advantageously, according to a possible embodiment of the presentinvention, the first (9) and the second (10) portion are respectivelyhinged so as to be reciprocally foldable, said second portion (10)comprising a threaded collar (12), integral with it, on which a sleeve(11) can be screwed, mounted slidable on said first portion (9) so as toclose the hinge and put the rod (8), in use, in extended position. Inthis way the device remains fixed to the walls. Alternatively, it ispossible to free the hinge by acting in an opposite direction to whatpreviously said, and close the two portions one over the other. In thisway it is possible to fold the rod closing the device to extract it.

Alternatively, the first (209) and the second (210) portion of the rodare arranged in a telescopic manner,

In this case, there is a closing with retraction of a portion inside theother, and an opening with extraction and snap blocking.

Advantageously, a further embodiment of the present invention providesfor a supporting element (305) comprising magnetic elements (303) toengage it, in use, to the outline of the drum. This constructivelysimple solution allows to avoid the use of the frame.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the means (401)comprise a unit (407) designed to be coupled directly to the drum of thewashing machine.

To this end the unit (407) comprises a bayonet joint (418) or the likeand at least one shoetree (19) suitable to be inserted inside the shoeto be washed.

This solution is particularly convenient to be embodied as it requires asimple unit (407) and a pre-arranged drum.

In this regard, a drum for washing machine is furthermore described andforeseen hereafter, characterized by being designed so that a unit (407)can connect to it through a bayonet joint (418) or the like.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further characteristics and advantages of the device for washingfootwear in washing machine, according to the present invention, will bemore apparent from the description below of an embodiment thereof, byway of non limiting example, with reference to the attached drawings,wherein:

FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 show an overall view of the present inventionaccording to a first possible configuration of embodiment;

FIG. 3 shows a side view of the invention, while FIG. 4 shows a detailof movable joining between two rods forming the frame of the device;

FIG. 5 shows a configuration, wherein the present device is closed toallow its insertion in the drum of the washing machine or its extractionat the end of use;

FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 show a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 shows a third embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 show a fourth embodiment of the invention togetherwith a detail of the unit 407 allowing to hang the shoes to thesupporting element 405;

FIG. 11 shows a detail of the unit 7, which allows to hang the shoes tothe supporting elements;

FIGS. 12 and 13 show a side view of the two first preferred embodiments,with the shoes hung and inserted inside the drum of the washing machine.

DESCRIPTION OF SOME PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference to the accompanying drawings, a traditional drum 2 ofwashing machine has inside itself a device to allow washing of footwearin general, in particular sport footwear or footwear made of fabricand/or rubber.

The device, in its most essential aspects, provides for means (1; 201;301; 401) designed to allow to hang up at least one shoe in the drum ofthe washing machine so that the shoe can be washed, rinsed, and spunmaintaining substantially the position corresponding to where it hangs.

In particular, according to a first group of embodiments common to threepossible variants of the invention (to this end, see for example FIG. 1,FIG. 6 and FIG. 8), at least one supporting element (5; 205; 305) isprovided comprising fixing means (3; 203; 303) so as to engage thesupporting element, in use, to the outline of the drum. In this way,when the drum rotates the above mentioned element is firmly put intorotation. Together with said supporting element means (7, 17) thereforecooperate, to hang, in use, at least one shoe to said supporting element(5; 205; 305) so that the shoe can be washed, rinsed and/or spunmaintaining substantially the position corresponding to the relativesupport where it hangs (see in particular FIG. 11).

Entering in construction details of the present invention, FIG. 1 andFIG. 2 specifically show a possible first preferred embodiment of theinvention. According to this configuration, three supporting element 5are obtained in the form of a plate and are substantially V-shaped, soas to replicate the three respective classical calendered portions 6 ofthe drum of the washing machine. The application at the calenderedsheets from the inside of the drum assures a better grip and therefore abetter dragging of the above mentioned elements by the drum.

According to this first preferred embodiment of the invention, thefixing means 3 to engage in use the supporting elements 5 on the outlineof the drum comprise a frame 3. In construction detail, the frame isconstituted by three cradles 4 having an inner profile suitable tosurround the respective three supporting elements 5 and henceapproximately V-shaped. In particular, the cradles are firmly connectedto the supporting elements 5 thus obtaining a compact structure in onesingle piece. As described in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, three rods 8 connectthe cradles respectively to each other, thus giving the device 1 as awhole a substantially triangular shape. Each rod 8 (see to this end FIG.3, FIG. 4, and FIG. 5) is produced in two portions 9 and 10 respectivelyhinged, so as to be reciprocally movable, in particular foldable. Ashighlighted in FIG. 3, the portions 9 and 10 of the rods 8 are rigidlymaintained reciprocally in-line through the use of a sleeve 11, orsimilar, slidable on said portions. In particular, with reference, forthe sake of simplicity of the description, to a portion of only one rod8 highlighted in FIG. 4, the end 10 provides for a threaded collar 12,rigidly connected to it, on which the sleeve can be screwed. In this waythe sleeve can pass from a first condition, wherein it is unscrewed fromthe collar and is free to slide on the portion 9 as shown in FIG. 5, toa condition, wherein it is screwed on it, closing the hinge as shown inFIG. 3. In this way, in the condition shown in FIG. 5, as the hinges arefree, it is possible to fold the frame, reducing the overall diameter ofthe whole triangularly shaped device and thus allowing this latter to beeasily inserted in or removed from the drum of the washing machine. Onthe contrary, the extended position of the rods fixes the supportingelements firmly to the walls of the drum 2.

A second preferred embodiment of the invention (see FIG. 6 and FIG. 7)provides for a star-shaped frame 203. In this case, a central joint 213couples the rods 208 according to the star arrangement, wherein the rodsextend radially toward the walls of the drum, so that the supportingelements 205 connected to the cradles 204 can grip against the inside ofthe calendered portions 6 of the drum, exactly as described for thefirst configuration.

As highlighted in FIG. 6 again, two out of the three rods 208 aremonolithic, while a third rod is of the telescopic type. This latter cantherefore comprise a simple release device 211, for example a pushbutton, which allows to release/block to each other the two portions 209and 210. The portion 210 is therefore obtained slidable inside thecylindrical seat of the portion 209, so that it can move back inside itor extend toward the outside. Going in construction details of therelease device, this comprises an elastic pin arranged at the portion210. The pin (not represented for the sake of simplicity of thedescription) extends externally from a point of the cylindrical surfaceof the portion 210 and, thanks to an elastic action exerted for exampleby a spring, is maintained adhering against the inner cylindricalsurface of the portion 209 during the sliding thereof. The portion 209is furthermore provided with corresponding hole so that, once achievedthe preset height for the extraction, the pin of the portion 210 meetsthe hole obtained on the portion 209 coming out due to elastic action.In this way the portion 210 is blocked relative to the portion 209.Then, simply by pressing the pin with a finger, it is possible toretract it inside the hole and retract the portion 210 inside theportion 209.

The central joint 213, as represented in FIGS. 6 and 7, can connect tothe rods 208 in a rotatable manner. To this end, FIG. 7 betterhighlights the hinged connection of the rods 208 with the central joint213 so that it is furthermore possible to close the rods in a fan mannerat the end of use. This solution is advantageous in terms of bulk. Inthis way it is possible, in a simple and fast manner, to release theelement 205 from the calendered sheet of the washing machine to removethe entire device integrally from the drum or to insert the entiredevice into, and connect it, to the drum.

The extraction entails the rotation of the rods 208 around the joint.Preferably, for reasons of functional stability of the device, it isfurthermore possible to arrange at least one connection of the rigidtype between rods 208 and cradles 204. It is preferably possible toprovide the above mentioned connection rigid relative to the telescopicrod, while the remaining connections can also be of the rotational type.

Obviously, with reference to the above described configurations,solutions with two, three or more rods can be easily obtained. Inaddition, even more than one single rod (8; 208) can be realized withopening/closing system of the telescopic type, hinge type or acombination thereof, without however departing from the protective scopeof the present invention.

A third preferred embodiment of the present invention (see to this endFIG. 8) can instead provide for one or more supporting elements 305devoid of the frame with support function for adherent positioning tothe drum. In this case, the fixing means can be constituted,alternatively, by magnets 303 arranged on the supporting element andrealizing directly the adhering connection of the elements to the drum.FIG. 8 shows, for the sake of clarity, the section of the supportingelement 305 according to this configuration with a simple schematizationof the magnets 303. Furthermore, from the figure in question it is clearthat this support is in the V-shape completely equivalent to thecorresponding elements 5 and 205 described above. Instead of themagnets, it is also possible to use simple screw devices or the like,which allow a simple removable connection to the drum. In this case itis therefore possible to provide the supporting elements with screws fora fast coupling.

In all the preferred embodiments described above it is furthermorepossible to provide, on the supporting elements, a cover in softmaterial arranged on the surface destined to face, in use, thecalendered portion of the drum, so as to preserve this surface of thedrum from scratches and to make a contact that eliminates any clearancebetween devices and calendered portions and so that there are not noisycontacts during the rotation of the drum.

From the above description it is furthermore apparent that theapplication of the supporting elements in correspondence of thecalendered portions of the drum actually has, in all the describedconfigurations, the function of assuring a better grip and therefore abetter putting into rotation. However, it is also apparent that thispredisposition is not indispensable, as it is possible to provideconnections of the device also at the smooth portion of the drum.

Continuing the structural description of the invention, FIG. 11describes the means (7, 17) to hang up at least one shoe to the abovementioned supporting elements (5; 205; 305) described above withreference to the first three configurations. As it is well shown in thefigures, the shoe hangs from the drum, i.e. it is suspended in the drumwithout being into contact with it.

Entering in construction details, these means comprise in combination atleast one seat 17 obtained in correspondence of the supporting elementand destined, in use, to house a hanging unit 7 for the shoes in areleasable manner. For the sake of clarity this seat 17 is shown in allthe figures related to the various preferred configurations of thepresent invention.

As it will be better described hereunder, the unit 7 provides a part tobe inserted inside the shoe, i.e. the shoe to be washed must be wear onsaid part. This part presents a surface 19A that comes into contactwith, or faces, the inner sole of the shoe. In the preferred embodiment,this part is a shoetree or, equivalently, a shape imitating a human footor a shoe outline, indicated as a whole with number 19. The abovementioned surface 19A of the hanging unit 7 that comes into contactwith, or faces, the inner sole of the shoe is practically the part ofshoetree or shape corresponding to the sole of the human foot. In thepreferred embodiment, this surface 19A of the unit 7 faces toward theaxis of rotation of the drum.

Obviously, in other embodiments of hanging unit, this surface may notcorrespond to the sole of the human foot. For instance, a unit 7 canprovide for a part, to be inserted inside the shoe, formed only from atoe and a heel connected by a rod which can be adjustable in length toadapt to the size of the shoe (for example through a screw/nut screwsystem, or an elastic rod which can be compressed from a maximum size toa minimum size, similarly to the shoetrees used to help the shoes keeptheir shape when not used); in a case of this type the surface of theunit facing the sole of the shoe and the axis of rotation of the drumcan be the part of rod between the toe and the heel.

In the preferred embodiment, the unit 7 comprises a snap pin 18connected to the shoetree 19 and means (20, 21) to allow to secure theshoe to the shoetree. These means (20, 21) can comprise a ribbon 20connected to the shoetree and provided at the ends with Velcro-typeclosure 21. Alternatively, the closure can be obtained with abutton/buttonhole system, snap button or the like. According to all thepreferred configurations of the invention, each supporting element (5;205; 305) preferably provides for two seats 17.

A fourth preferred configuration of the invention (to this end see FIGS.9 and 10) provides that the above mentioned means 401 comprisesubstantially a hanging unit 407 for the footwear that is substantiallyidentical to the previous unit 7 described above. The only substantialdifference (see FIGS. 9 and 10) is that the unit comprises a bayonetjoint 418 or the like, arranged to be inserted in an adequate seat 417obtain directly or already pre-arranged in the drum of the washingmachine. In this sense the drum can provide, on the calendered portionor in a different area, simple couplers designed to receive the joint418. The drum is therefore already pre-arranged to be connected to thisunit 407.

Alternatively (see specifically FIGS. 9 and 10), in order to strengthenthe connection, the drum can comprise or be directly produced with asupporting element 405 prearranged from the outside inside thecalendered portion 6. The connection of the element 405 can occur forexample through common screws or by closing the calendered portion fromthe outside through the same sheet of the drum which defines thecylindrical shape thereof. In this regard, as indicated in FIG. 10, thetriangular shape is particularly convenient, suitable to adapt to theshape of the external seat of the calendered portion. According to thissolution the seat 417 is therefore obtained in the joint 405 so as toengage in use with the unit 407.

For all the described configurations of the units (7; 407) it should bespecified that the shoetree 19 is produced in a plastic material or inmetal light alloys, or anyway in an adequately non-absorbent material,and provided with a plurality of through holes 19B. In particular, aparticularly advantageous embodiment comprises the production of theshoetree so that it is hollow (cavity signed with a broken line only inFIG. 11 and indicated with 19C) inside and of adequate thickness. Inthis way water flows through the holes inside the cavity, and exits fromit at high speed. In this way the shoetree has also an additionalfunction of efficient rinse, in addition to guaranteeing an optimumoutflow of the liquid, thus avoiding water stagnation due to thepresence of the shoetree.

Furthermore, thanks to the presence of a plurality of through holes withsmall diameter, the water outflow speed is significantly greater thanthe water speed due to rotation, and this has a further beneficialwashing effect.

As it is readily apparent from the figures, it should be noted againthat the position of the shoetree 19, on which the shoe is worn, is suchthat the “sole” of the shoetree faces toward the axis of the drum, asconsequently the sole of the shoe is equally oriented. In this way thewater, during rotation of the spin cycle, moving in radial directiontoward the cylindrical lateral surface of the drum, is not hindered inits outflow from the impermeable sole of the shoe or from theimpermeable perimeter of the upper near it.

In general, the term “facing” and “faces toward” the axis of the drumrelating to the surface of the unit 7, refers to a surface of a bodywhich lies mainly on a plane and does not pass through the axis of thedrum. From a geometric viewpoint, it is possible practically to say thatthe surface of the unit facing the axis of the drum divides the druminto two parts, of which one first contains the axis of rotationthereof, while the second is suitable to contain the part of shoerelating to the upper, i.e. outside the sole;

Having structurally described the invention in its more essentialaspects, the operation thereof will be now described in the following.

FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 show respectively the first and the second preferredconfiguration mounted in use inside the drum of the washing machine.Obviously, also the third configuration and the fourth configuration hasa completely similar function, that is not represented only for the sakeof simplicity. First of all, the device is inserted inside the drum soas to be fixed to the walls through the frame (as regards first andsecond configuration) or through magnets or the like as described forthe third configuration. As described in the two phases of FIG. 11, theshoe is then put on the shoetree 19 and fixed to the shoetree 19 throughthe ribbon 20 or through the shoe laces. At this point the shoe is hungon the respective seat 17 by coupling the snap pin 18 inside the seat17.

In the case of fourth preferred embodiment, the bayonet joint 418 isinserted in the already pre-arranged seat of (or in) the drum. Thisoperation is repeated for the desired number of shoes, until to achievefor example the case represented in FIGS. 12 and 13, wherein the devicesupports six shoes (three on the front and three on the back—see alsoseats 17 in FIG. 1). As clearly highlighted in FIG. 2, the presentdevice can house, in fact, up to three pairs of shoes. At this point itis possible to wash the shoes that, being constrained to the device, arehindered from bumping and moving randomly inside the drum, remainingfixed in the position in which they have been hung.

At the end of the washing, by acting on the snap pin 18 the whole unit 7with the hung shoe is removed from the drum, or the bayonet joint 418 isremoved in the case of unit 407 as regards the means 401. Lastly, thedevice is removed by folding the rods (8; 208) of the frame in the caseof the first two configurations or removing directly the elements 305 ofthe third configuration.

It should be noted that, during the spin cycle, the centrifugal forceacting on the shoe will maintain the shoe immovable, pressing it withthe inner sole on the shoetree inside the sole. In this way, the fabricsof the upper, which generally expand for some centimeters inside theshoe between lower sole and inner sole, will be highly compressed by theouter sole of the shoe, that pressing the inner sole against theshoetree will hold the fabrics effectively without the heat welds, orglued seams or seams, of the uppers to the soles being subject tostresses due to the centrifugal force able to generate in the fabrics inthe gluing areas or similar unidirectional fractions able to cause thedetachment of the fabric of the upper from the soles.

During the spin cycle, the water with which the shoes are impregnatedwill be subjected to the centrifugal force and flow toward the outsideof the shoe in the area for the entrance of the foot or through theparts of the upper which are water permeable, or it lap the inner orouter surface of the upper. In this way the spin action will behomogeneous for each shoe and very effective; in fact the soles of sportshoes or technical shoes in general, which are usually impermeable, willbe (they are fixed to the device) with the inner concavity facing thecylindrical lateral walls of the drum, and therefore, during the spinaction, with the use of the invented device, the water can flow from theshoe toward said walls of the drum without being hindered by theimpermeable sole.

During the spin phases the sole of the shoe will be therefore mainlysubject to a uniform pressure on the sole of the same type of thatgenerated during walking, i.e. to stresses for which the shoe isexpressly designed.

In this way, with the use of the invented device it will not occur whateasily occurs when one doesn't use it, washing the shoes free to moverandomly inside the drum, providing the possibility that the underlyingsole of the shoe is placed into contact with the cylindrical walls ofthe drum, avoiding water, flowing towards the impermeable sole, underthe action of the centrifugal force, detaching from the shoe, remainingor on the inner sole or inside the spaces of the inner frame of the solewhich is almost always constituted by convex spaces with the aperturefacing the inner sole, thus thwarting the scope of the spin operation.With the invented device at the end of washing the shoes will have infabrics a very low residual humidity rate and, above all, thedistribution of the humidity in the shoe will be uniform and such that asubsequent uniform drying will occur, which will not cause deformationsof the shoe.

It should be noted that with the loading of the wash and prewash water,which achieves a given height inside the drum, also the alternativerotation will start, i.e. a series of turns in clockwise direction andseries of turns in counterclockwise direction. When the shoes rotate inthe lower part, they ship water in a very effective manner thanks to theway in which they move. Water will flow inside the shoe through theperforated shoetrees 19 of the hanging unit 7 and, during movement,water will flow inside the cavity 19C defined inside the shoetree 19exiting from the other holes 19B, therefore generating at the same timenumerous washing jets in the inner walls of the shoe. When, duringrotation, the shoe will go up at a greater height inside the drum,contemporaneously the water will flow in the inner areas of the shoe notalready achieved; therefore water, flowing from the inside of theshoetree through the holes 19B, will produce jets with an increased flowspeed.

The perforated shoetree 19 on one hand allows flowing in all the innerareas of the shoe increasing the efficiency of the washing thanks to thegreater speed of water flowing from the jets, on the other hand itmaintains during washing the shoe in shape and prevents it from pressingor deforming even if washing cycles with hot water are provided.

With reference to the currently known devices described in the citedpatents, it is clearly apparent that the device according to the presentinvention is able to block more stably the shoes to be washed, avoidingimpacts or abrasions on the shoes, as well as their deformations, andfurthermore allows to avoid water stagnation on the areas inside theshoes related to the soles and the perimeter areas adjacent to them.Lastly, it allows to obtain a surely more effective washing effect, asat the end of each rinse cycle, after the spin phase the water remainingin the shoe is minimum due to the effect of non-stagnation and thereforeeach load of clean water contributes to an effective washing ending withthe last spin cycle.

At this point, it is clearly apparent that all the objects of thepresent invention have been achieved. It is particularly clearlyapparent that such a device allows washing shoes avoiding them fromimpact against each other and against the walls of the drum, thusavoiding damages to the drum, deformations and wear of the shoes.Furthermore, the drying is now very effective, as the shoes during thespin cycle cannot place themselves with the sole facing the cylindricallateral walls of the drum.

The above description of a specific embodiment is able to show theinvention from a conceptual viewpoint, so that other people, using theknown technique, can modify and/or adapt in various applications thisspecific embodiment without further researches and without departingfrom the concept of the invention, and therefore it is intended thatsuch adaptations and modifications shall be considered as equivalent tothe specific embodiment. Means and materials to embody the variousdescribed functions can be of various nature without however departingfrom the protective scope of the present invention. It should beunderstood that used expressions and terminology have only descriptive,and therefore non limiting, purpose.

1. A device to allow the washing in washing machine of footwear ingeneral, particularly sport footwear, the device comprising: a means forhanging up at least one shoe on the drum of the washing machine, so thatsaid shoe can be washed substantially maintaining the positioncorresponding to where said shoe hangs, that is a position in which theshoe is spaced from the drum, said means comprising at least one hangingunit able to be inserted inside the shoe to be washed, said at least onehanging unit being associated to said drum so as to rigidly rotate withsaid drum in use.
 2. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein saidhanging unit comprises a part defining a surface facing the sole of theshoe when inserted inside the shoe said surface of the hanging unitfacing the axis of rotation of the drum in use, thus allowing, duringrotation, water outflow from the sole of the shoe toward an upperportion of said shoe.
 3. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein saidhanging unit comprises a shoetree or a foot shape or shoe shape,designed to be inserted inside the shoe.
 4. A device as claimed in claim1, wherein said means comprises: at least one supporting elementcomprising a fixing means for fixing, in use, said supporting element onthe outline of the drum such that said at least one supporting elementrotates rigidly when the drum rotates; a hanging means for hanging up atleast one shoe on said supporting element such that the shoe can bewashed maintaining substantially the position corresponding to thecorresponding support on which said at least one shoe hangs.
 5. A deviceas claimed in claim 4, wherein said hanging means comprises incombination at least one seat obtained in correspondence of said atleast one supporting element and said at least one hanging unit forfootwear destined to be coupled, in use, to said seat in a releasablemanner.
 6. A device as claimed in claim 5, wherein said at least onehanging unit comprises a snap pin, connected to a shoetree or theequivalent, to be inserted inside the shoe and a means for securing saidshoe to the shoetree.
 7. A device as claimed in claim 4, wherein said atleast one supporting element is firmly connected to a frame designed insuch a way to constrain said supporting element against the surface ofthe drum.
 8. A device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the frame comprisesthree rods rigidly connected to three supporting elements through threecradles.
 9. A device as claimed in claim 8, wherein said three rods areconfigured in the frame according to a star arrangement.
 10. A device asclaimed in claim 8, wherein said three rods are configured in the frameaccording to a triangle arrangement.
 11. A device as claimed in claim 8,wherein at least one of said rods comprises a first portion and a secondportion assembled reciprocally movable.
 12. A device as claimed in claim11, wherein the first portion and the second portion are respectivelyhinged so as to be reciprocally foldable, said second portion comprisinga threaded collar, on which a sleeve can be screwed, assembled slidableon said first portion so as to close the hinge and to block the at leastone of said rods.
 13. A device as claimed in claim 11, wherein saidfirst portion and said second portion are assembled in a telescopicmanner.
 14. A device as claimed in claim 4, wherein said supportingelement comprises magnetic elements to engage, in use, said supportingelement on the outline of the drum.
 15. A device as claimed in claim 1,wherein said means comprises a unit configured to couple directly to thedrum of the washing machine.
 16. A device as claimed in claim 15,wherein said unit comprises a bayonet joint and at least one shoetree orthe like able to be inserted inside the shoe.
 17. A device as claimed inclaim 3, wherein said shoetree or the like is provided with a pluralityof through holes for water passage.
 18. A device as claimed in claim 3,wherein said shoetree or the like is hollow inside, wherein a pluralityof through holes for water passage are present on a thickness of saidshoetree, said plurality of through holes communicating between a cavityand the outside of the shoetree.
 19. A drum for a washing machine,comprising: a device comprising a means for hanging up at least one shoeon the drum of the washing machine, so that said shoe can be washedsubstantially maintaining the position corresponding to where said shoehangs, that is a position in which the shoe is spaced from the drum,said means comprising at least one hanging unit able to be insertedinside the shoe to be washed, said at least one hanging unit beingassociated to said drum so as to rigidly rotate with said drum, whereinsaid means comprises a unit configured to couple directly to the drum,said drum being pre-arranged so that said unit can connect to the drumthrough a bayonet joint or the like.
 20. A drum for the washing machineas in claim 19, wherein said unit comprises said bayonet joint and atleast one shoetree to be inserted into the shoe.
 21. A drum for thewashing machine as in claim 19, wherein said unit comprises at least ashoetree, said shoetree being provided with a plurality of through holesfor water passage.
 22. A drum for the washing machine as in claim 19,wherein said unit comprises at least a shoetree, said shoetree beinghollow inside, wherein a plurality of through holes are present on athickness of said shoetree for water passage, said plurality of throughholes communicating between a cavity and the outside of said shoetree.